Although the terms in question here are pretty descriptive, we will start with a few definitions. When we talk about a complete backup, we mean that the backup contains a copy of every file on the computer, and usually is bootable. Bootable means that the backup contains a complete working operating system that you could run on your computer. Everything else is a partial backup.

Complete backups seem, on the face, inarguably better. So why would anyone choose to go with partial backups? The main reason is that it’s somtimes just not necessary. Your operating system and other programs take up a lot of space, rarely change, and can easily be restored from installation CDs. Operating systems are also very fragile things. In many cases if you experience major hardware failure you will need to reload your operating system anyway. If you are keeping multiple versions of your backup (and you should be), complete backups can quickly become a hefty amount of data to store.

Even though complete backups aren’t always necessary, they are very powerful tools. If you do have catastrophic data loss, a complete backup can get your machine up and running in its previous working state in a matter of hours. If you have a lot of software that requires installation and configuration you could spend days getting it all set up again. Users for whom downtime is very expensive are the best candidates for a complete backup plan.

The best of both worlds
It’s very possible (and quite prudent!) to implement a hybrid strategy. A bi-monthly or weekly complete backup combined with a daily partial backup will keep you covered in most cases while keeping total backup size at a manageable level.

When you decide that it is time to implement a personal or work backup strategy or, the first question that you must answer is, “What type of backup is right for me?”

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors including how much data you need to secure and the rate at which you create new data. Each backup type has unique strengths and weakness. There are more backup options available to you than you have time to consider so it helps to narrow your choices down to a manageable size. The major types of backups are:

1. Online Backups (also called Remote Backups)
Online backup services use the Internet to transfer data securely from your computer to a server managed by a service provider. There are many advantages to this type of backup. Because the server that stores your files is in a geographically separate location, your data is secure from environmental dangers like flooding, fires, earthquakes and burglars. Also, because you are leasing the hardware that is storing your files, it if fails, your service provider is responsible for replacing it.

Of course, by outsourcing those responsibilities you give up some control. It is unlikely, but entirely possible that a backup company could disappear overnight, taking your backups with them. Putting your data in someone else’s system also forces you to trust them not to make your data available to identity thieves or other crooks. In some cases you may be legally required to use a service provider that complies with regulations placed on certain industries, e.g. HIPAA for the Health Industry.

2. Local Backups
Local backups work via a large variety of methods including hard drives, tapes, CDs and DVDs. The one thing all these methods have in common is that if you choose to use them, you take on full responsibility for administering the backup process. This maybe isn’t as bad as it sounds because you have a huge number of tools to choose from that will help you do the job.

By taking on more responsibility you gain complete control of the process. If you have unique requirements, this is the route you will have to take. If your requirements are small, online backup is probably where you need to be.

We’re only getting started
In future articles I will dig into the specifics of both Online Backups and Local Backups. The good news is, because the average person’s backup needs are increasing every year, backup utilities have improved greatly in recent years and there are now more options than ever before.

Many smart people, who in nearly all aspects of their lives behave rationally, foolishly fail to back up their data. Why do these people act so senselessly? There are multiple answers to this question which are contingent on one’s situation and sometimes quite nuanced. The fact is that almost all computer users have backup needs but precious few have a system in place. Identifying why you are ignoring a critical, yet relatively simple process which could save you an untold amount of money and / or heartbreak is the first step towards fixing the situation. Many fail to make backups because:

• They don’t realize the risk of data loss is great
• They don’t fully understand the consequences of data loss
• They are intimidated by the process and don’t know where to begin
• Data backup is not sexy

This site will explore all of these issues in some depth with the goal of helping people understand the importance of backing up their data. It will also examine various approaches to securing your data.